Harnessing Sunlight as Fuel

Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Dr. Gary F. Moore (2008-09 Phoenix Scholar) is now an Assistant Professorat Arizona State University following ground-breaking work in solar energy. As a Principal Investigator at Berkeley Lab, he and his team developed a modular one-step hydrogen generator that moved the United States one step closer to generating sustainable fuels via artificial photosynthesis. Working at the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, the team developed a novel photocathode that combines a semiconductor with a widely-available catalyst that is a cost-effective substitute for the precious-metals catalysts currently used. The new system also enables better energy storage, prospectively allowing for more efficient use of solar energy on a 24-hour basis.

As noted on the ARCS Phoenix website, Gary says, "I remain thankful for the early support I received from ARCS Foundation as a Might Scholar and believe this appointment underscores the importance of ARCS work encouraging promising scientists early in their educational endeavors, building U.S. competitiveness, and advancing science. I look forward to future opportunities to support ARCS Foundation so that others may benefit from the experiences I was fortunate to have."